Electrical spark apparatus.



E. 0. WILGOX. ELECTRICAL .SPABK APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 13, 1908.

909,043. Patented Jan. 5, 1909.

2 SHEETS-SHEE'I' 1.

" 6. Wilcox- E. C. WILCOX. ELECTRICAL SPARK APPARATUS. APPLICATION I'ILED FEB. 1a, 1906.

909,043; Patented Jan. 5, 1909.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

E 5. v F 4 Shookoz E C Wzlcox. 0 33 112's 61x mama's UNITED srncrns ATENT FFICE UAEST C; WILCOX, OF MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE CONNECTICUT TELE- PHONE & ELECTRIC COMPANY, INCORPORATED, OF MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT, COR- PORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRICAL SPARK APPARATUS.

To all whzim it may concern:

Be it known that I, EunnsrC. VVILCOX, a citizen of the United States, residing at- Meriden, county of. New Haven, Connectiout, have invented certain new and useful Improvements, in 'Electrical .Spark Apparatus, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

'My invention relates to improvements in electrical a paratus, and particularly to induction coils for sparking devices.

The object of the invention is to provide a simple compact apparatus, the parts of which may be readily assembled and disassembled, and-which may be readily adjusted.

' A further object is to provide for convenient and compact electrical connections within the casing of the apparatus.

Briefly described, the invention comprises the emplo ment of apparatus arranged to be assemb edin units, each unit having the usual primary and secondary coils, together with a vibrator.

This application is filed as a division of my copending application Serial No. 289,062. filed November25,'l905.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in whichr F igure 1 is a conventional view of an arrangement of the coils,casing and electrical connections. Fig. 2 illustrates an ordi' nary form of switch plugto be used with the apparatus. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line Y-Y, Fig. 4 of the casing showing the contained coilsj Fig. 4 is a front view of the casing, the cover being shown in dotted outline. Fig. 5' is a bottom plan view of the casing shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

In Fig. l, the elements are represented in conventional diagram.- R is a receptacle or casing Qor the coils. U-U' are the units or boxes containing the coils and condensers and carrying the vibrators V-V. B-P/ indicate the usual batteries. The circuits are shown for two batteries, but it is obvious that the invention could be applied to the use of one battery. C is a commutator or make-and-break device for interrupting the primary circuits. 1-1 are the spark v plugs or ignition devices.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Original application filed November 26, 1905, Serial No. 289,062. Divided and this appii Serial No. 115,767.

Patented Tan. 5, 1909.

The invention is illustrated as applied to a system employing two spark plugs for corresponding engine cylinders.

Reference numerals on the different figures of the drawings indicate corresponding parts. The numerals having indices indicate a second set-of corresponding parts.

1 is the primary coil, 2 is the secondary coil, and 3 is a magnet core for the coil.

4 is a condenser which is shunted or cation filed February 18, 1908.

bridged, as shown, with the contact device 7 or vibrator.

5 is a lateral contact on one of the removable units, which is connected to its primary winding.

6 is a base contact carried by the unit and connected to the secondary winding.

While the invention herein does not relate to the vibrator, the parts thereof are indi-' cated for the purpose of showing the complete construction.

7 is the adjustable member of the vibrator, which is connected to the two windings.

8 is the armature or vibrator mem er actuated by the electromagnet'. This is connected to the'lateral contact 9 on the unit U. 10 is a second adjusting screw for varying the tension on the armature.

The receptacle or casing R, which is adapted for installation in any convenient place, for instance on a power launch or motor vehicle, contains interior terminals and carries exterior terminals, through which the )rimary and secondary. currents are carried. Of these terminals 11 is a lateral contact plate in the form of a spring mount-ed upon the interior of the casing and adapted to be engaged by the contact 5.

This is connected through a switch hereinafter to be described, and exterior terminals 12 to the battery. 13 is a second lateral contact here shown as mounted upon the interior of the casing adapted to be engaged by the contact 9, and which is connected through the exterior terminal 14 to a contact 15 of the commutator or make-and-break device. The side spring contact between the box, and each coil unit will not-only provide an electrical connector, but also serves to steady each unit therein. It-will also be seen that the slightest vibration of a coil unit in the container or box will be suificient apparatus,. a swifpch may be used,

to cause said spring contact to rub on its companion contact so as to wear away any corrosion and keep both of said contacts bright and clean and correspondingly effective. l-Ieretofore in devices of this type each coil unit has been so positively held in place or clamped, as by some form of binding screw, so as to prevent vibration within the case. As distinguished therefrom, my coil unit, while held with suiiicient firmness, is freely mounted in the case so that the slightest vibration may be availed of for the useful purpose of keeping the com anion contacts bright. The point 16 on tne commutator engages the contact 15 once in every revolution for interrupting the primary circuit.

17 is an interior contact on the base of the casing, in the formof a spring, which is connected to the exterior projecting post 18. The spring and base are mounted in the insulating block 19, which is secured to the bottom of the receptacle. The base 18 is surrounded exteriorly by the protecting sleeve 20, which is screwed to the block 19.

The base contact 17 is adapted to .be engaged by the contact 6 of the coil U, so that the secondary current flows through the spark or ignition device I. The batteries, commutator and ignition device are all grounded ordinarily on the frame of the machine. Each unit has a top plate 21 of insulating material, which carries the vibrator. These top plates fit snugly within the receptacle or casing R, and are held in place preferably by a snap spring 22, which overlies their adjacent corners.

23 is the cover of the receptacle, which houses the vibrator.

As shown in Fig. 1, the contact 11 for the primary winding of the coil, is connected to the battery. The corresponding contact 11 for the second coil is also connected to the battery by the same wire, this connection between the. two contacts being preferably within the receptacle or casing, as shown. In the operation of the sparking the preferred form of which is illustrated at X, Fig. 1. This switch may front of the casing It, as here shown, but it is obvious that the same may be placed in any other position convenient for operation. In the construction here shown, the switch comprises a tubular socket 2 1 inclined downward and outward slightly, so that it maybe readily accessible but protected from the entry of dirt or moisture. 25 is a spring finger carried by the terminal 26, adjacent to the interior end of the socket 24. The socket 2 1 is connected to the con tact 11 and thence to the primary winding. The terminal 26 is connected to the terminal 12 and thence to the battery 24:, spring 25,terininal,26',' terminalgl2' be attached to the B. The socket.

and batter B correspond to 24, 25, 26, 12 and B, an are connected in the same way. 27 is a socket also connected to the contact 11. 28 28 are springs connected to the terminals 26-26.

For operation of the switch, any ordinary formof switch plug, as 29, Fig. 2, having a metallic portion 30, may be employed to connect the sockets 24; and '27, and the springs 25 and 28 upon the terminals 26. When the plug 29 is inserted in one of the sockets of the switch, for instance 2%, with the circuit closed through the commutator C, current flows from the battery B through ground to the commutator C and from the opposite terminal of the battery through box terminal 12, switch terminal 26, spring 25, plug 29, socket 24;, contacts 11 and 5, primary winding 1, vibrator terminals 7 and 8, contacts 9 and 13, and commutator terminal 15, with the condenser 4 switched around the breaking point in the vibrator.- When the plug 29 is inserted in the socket 24, with the circuit closed through the commutator C, the current may be similarly traced from thebattery B. When the plug 29 is inserted in the socket 27, the apparatus is thrown in operation with both batteries in parallel. By this means it is possible to obtain the requisite current when both batteries have somewhat deteriorated, if such a condition should occur.

What I claim is:

1. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or casing, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all of the primary windings of said inductioncoils, at least two electrical connections being established by the insertion of a coil, in the box or casing, to connect its primarycoil in circuit with said source of electricity, and independent circuit connections whereby the removal of a coil from the box orframe will not aifect the electrical connections to the other coils.

2. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all the primary windings of said induction coils, firing devices external to said box or frame, at least two electrical connections being established by the act of inserting a coil in the box or fra'm'e to connect its fprimary coil in circuit with said source 0 electricity and its secondary coil in circuit with said firing devices, and independent circuit connections whereby the removal of a coil from'the box or frame will not affect the elefitrical connections to the other coils.

3. In an ignition system, the combination of a case ornframe, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein, and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all the prlmary windings of said induction coils, at least two electrical connections being established by the act of mounting coil in the box or frame to automatically connect'its primary coil in circuit with said source of electricity, the electrical connections to each coil being independent of the connections to the other coils.

4. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or frame, a plurality of induction "coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all the primary windings of said induction coils, firing devices external to said box or frame, at least two electrical connections being established by the mounting of a coil in the box or frame to automatically connect its primary coil in circuit mmable therefrom, t'wo electrical contacts permanently fixed in the, case or frame for each induction coil, means for connecting the terminals of the primary windings of .each coil by the act of inserting said coilwithin said case or frame with two of said contacts, one each of said contacts being' electrically connected together and to one pole of a source of electricity, and a commutater adapted to connect the other contacts successively with the other pole of said source of electricity.

6. In an ignition system, the combination of a case or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, two electrical contacts permanently fixed in the case or framefor each induction coil, means for connecting the terminals of the primary windings of each coil by the insertion of said coil within said "case or frame with two of said contacts, one

each of said contacts being electrically connected together and to one pole of a source of electricity, a commutator adapted to connect the other contacts successively with the other pole of said source of electricity, and means whereby the secondary winding of each coil is connected in circuit automatically when the terminals of the primary are connected.

7. ln an'ignition system, the combinatlon of a case or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom. a pair of electrical contacts permanently fixed in the box or frame for each induction coil, means for connecting one terminal of the primary winding of each coil by the insertion thereof within said box or frame with one member of each pair of contacts. a conductor connecting said members of each pair of, contacts to each other and to one pole of a common source of electricity, and a commutator adapted to connect the other contacts of each air successively with the other pole of said source of electricity.

8. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a pair of electrical contacts permanently fixed in the box or frame for each induction coil, means for connecting one terminal of the primary winding of each. coil by the insertion thereof withinthe ease or frame with one member of each pair of contacts, a conductor connecting said members of each pair of contacts to each other and to one pole of a common source of electricity, a commutator adapted to connect the other contacts of each .pair successively with the other pole ofsaid source of electricity, and-means whereby the secondary winding of each coil is connected in circuit automatically when the terminals of the primary areconnected.

v9. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or casing, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein, a contact for the primany winding of each coil mounted in the box or casing, an electrical connector between said contacts within the box, a source of electricity, a. connection between said source and said connector, an-electrical'connection established by the act of inserting .a coil in the box or casing-to automatically connect its primary windings in circuit'with said source of electricity, and independent circuit connections whereby the removal of a coil from the boxor frame will not affect the electrical connections to the other coils.

10. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or casing, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein, a contact forthe primary winding of each coil mounted in the boxer casing, an electrical connector between said contacts, asource of electricity.

' the electrical connections to the other coils.

11. lo. an induction coil'apparatus, 'the; combination of a casing having three terminals arranged n the inner wall thereof, three terminals for external connection on the exterior thereof, with an induction coil unit comprising a box, a vibrator carried thereby, three contact terminals carried by and arranged on the exterior of said box and adapted to engage with the interior terminals in the casing by the act of inserting the coil box in the casing, and means for removably holding the box securely in position in the casing with the proper terminals in engagement with one another.

12. In an induction coil apparatus, the combination of a casing having three'terminals arranged on the inner wall thereof, three terminals for external connection on the exterior thereof, with an induction coil unitcomprising a box, a vibrator carried thereby, three contact terminals carried by and arranged on the exterior of said box one of said terminals being at the side of said box, all of said terminals being adapted to yieldingly engage the interior terminals in thecasing by the act of inserting the coil box in the casing.

13. In an induction coil apparatus, the combination of a casing having three terminals arranged on. the inner wall thereof, three terminals for external connection on the exterior thereof, with an induction coil unit comprising a box, a vibrator carried thereby, and three contact terminals carried by and arranged on the exterior of said box and adapted to make electrical connection with the interior terminals in the casing by the act of inserting the coil box in the casing, provision being made for removably holding the box in position in the casing with the proper terminals in engagement with one another.

' 14c. In an ignition of a box or casing,

system, the combination a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all of the primary windings of said induction coils, electrical connections established by the act of inserting a coil in the box. or casing to simultaneously connect its primary coil in circuit with said source of electricity, independent circuit connecions whereby the removal. of a coil from the box or frame will not affect the electrical connections to the other coil, and means for removably holding the box in position in the casing with the proper gagement with one another.

15. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all the primary windings of said induction coils,- firing devices external to said box or frame, electrical connections established by the act of inserting, a coil inthe box or frame to simultaneously connect itsprimary coil in circuit with said source of electricity and'its secondary 001111). circuit with said firing devices, independent circurt connections whereby the removal of a coil;

between said contacts,

terminals in en-' scenes from thebox or frame will not affect the electrical connections to the other coils, and means for removably holding the box in position in the casing with the proper terminals in engagement with one another.

16. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or casing, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein, a contact for the primary winding of each coil mounted in the box or casing, an electrical connector between said contacts, a source of electricity, a connection between said source and said connector, an electrical connection established by the act of insertinga coil in the box or casing to simultaneously and automatically connect its primary windings in circuit with said source of electricity, independent circuit connections whereby the removal ofa coil from the box or frame will not alfect the electrical connections to the other coils, and means for removably holding the box in position in the casing with the proper terminals in engagement with one another.

17. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or casing, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein, a contact for the primary winding of each coil mounted in the box or casing, an electrical connector ity, a connection between said source and said connector, firing devices external to said box or frame, an electrical connection established by the act of inserting a coil in the box or casing to simultaneously and automatically connect its primary windings in circuitwith said source of electricity and its secondary winding in circuit with said fir: ing device, independent circuit connections whereby the removal of a coil from the box or frame will'not affect the electrical connections to the other coils, and means for removably holding the box in position in the casing with the proper terminals in engagement with one another. a

18. In an induction coil apparatus, the combination of a casing having exposed terminals arranged on the inner wall thereof, and terminals for external connection on the'exterior thereof with an induction coil unit comprising a box, spring contact arms carried by said casing adapted to engage with said terminals on said box, and means for removably securing said box in said casing.

19. In an ignition system, the combination of a case or frame adapted tocontain a plurality of induction co'ls, a common electrical connection carried by said case for the contained coils, and means for automatically establishing the primary and sec-- ondary circuitsof each coil upon inserting the same within the case. I

20.111 an ignition system, the combinanation of a case or frame adapted to contain coil upon inserting the-same within the .maticallyand independently establishing a plurality of induction coils, a common electrical connection carried by saidv case for'the contained coils, and means for autothe primary and secondary circuits'of said coils upon inserting the same within the case.

21. In an ignition system, the combinanation of a case or frame adapted to contain a plurality of induction-coils, a common electrical connection carried by said case for the contained coils, and means for'automatically establishing the primary and secondary circuits of each coil upon inserting the same Within the case, and means for removably securing said coils within the case. 22. In an ignition system, the combina tion of a case or frame adapted to contain a plurality of induction coils, a commonelectrical connection carried by said case for the contained coils, and means for automatically and independently establishing the primary and secondary circuits of each case, and means for removably securing said coils within the .case.

23. In an ignition system, a case or frame, a pluralit of induction coils mounted therein, in ividual electrical connections for each coil and a common electrical connection for all coils whereby any one of said coils may be removed without disturbing the connections of the others, said connec tions bein constructed and arranged to be established by the act or inserting a coil within said case or frame.

24. In an ignition system, a case or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein, individual connections for the primary winding of each coil, a common connection for said primary windings, whereby any coil can be removed from the case or frame without disturbing the primary connections of the other coils, said connections being constructed and arranged to be established by the act of inserting a coil within said base or frame.

25. In an ignition system, a plurality of induction coils, and means for receiving and supporting the individual coils, said means havingan electrical connection common to all of the coils, independently completed for each coil by the act of inserting said coil within said means.

26. In an i nition system, a plurality of induction coi s, a container therefor, and connections between the side of each of said coils and said container, adapted to be automatically established by the act of inserting the coils within said container.

27. In an ignition system, a plurality of induction coils, a container therefor, and spring connections between the side of each of said coils'and said container adapted to 1 be automatically established by the act of inserting the coils within said container.

28. In an'ignition system, a plurality of induction coils, a container therefor, con-' n-ections between each. of said coilsand said container adapted to be automatically estab lished upon insertion of a coil, and independent means to hold said coils in position to maintain said connections.

29; In an ignition system, a plurality of induction coils, a container therefor, and connections between the side and bottom of each of said coils and said container adapt ed to'be automatically established by the act of inserting a coil in said container.

30. In an ignition system, a plurality'of induction coils, a container therefor, connections between the side and bottom of each of said coils and said container adapted to be automatically established by the act of inserting a coil in said container, and means to hold said coils in position to maintain said connections. I

31. In a spark coil for engines of the class herein described, an outer case containing removable coil units, each with a vibrator and separate primary and secondary wire con-' nections, and a common or ground return consisting of a metallic strip extending across the interior of the case, with suitable spring connections to each unit, 'saidconnection adapted to be established by the act of inserting a unit Within the case.

32. In an ignition system, a plurality of nector adapted to be automatically established by the act of inserting a coil in said container.

33. In an ignition system, a-plurality of induction coils, a container therefor, s rin connections between the side of each 0 saio coils and said container at or near the top thereof adapted to be automatically established by the .act of inserting a coil in said container.

34:. In an induction coil apparatus, a case or container, a coil unit having terminals projecting therefrom, one of said terminals being at the side, and a spring contact for said side terminal located between the coil unit and the container, all the erminals of said coil being automatically connected by the mere act of inserting said unit in-said case.

35. In an induction coil apparatus, a case or container, an induction. coil adapted to be freely mounted therein, and an electrical connection between the side of said case and said coil adapted to be established by the act of inserting the coil within the case.

36. In an induction coil apparatus, a case automatically connected by the other part, circuits,

or container, be freely mounted therein and a spring electrical connection between the side of said case and said coil adapted to be established by the act of inserting the coil within the case.

37. In an induction coil apparatus, a case or container, an induction coil adapted to be freely mounted therein, and a spring terminal on the side of said case, and a terminal on the side of the coil adapted to be the act of insertin the coil Within the case.

38, ii an induction coil apparatus, a case or container, a removable coil unit mounted therein, and a spring circuit connectioncar ried by the side of one part and arranged to bear freely against a companion contact on and means automatically to connect the same electrically by the act of inserting said coil Within the case.

39. In an ignition system, the combination of a box or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently removable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all the primary windings of said induction coils, electrical connections established by the mounting of a coil in the box or frame to automatically connect its rimary coil in circuit with said source of e coan induction coil adapted to scenes tricity, the electrical connections to each coil being independent of the connections to the other coils.

40. In an ignition system, the combination.

of a box or frame, a plurality of induction coils mounted therein and independently re-v movable therefrom, a source of electricity common to all the primary windings of said induction coils firing device external to said box or frame,' electrical connections estab- I lished by the mounting of a coil in the box or frame to automatically connect its primary coil in circuit with said source of electricity and its secondary coil in circuit with said firing devices, toeach coil being independent nections to the other coils.

41. In a spark coil for gas, vapor or by drocarbon engines, an outer case containing separate insert-ibis sparking elements, each having a suitable vibrator upon one end, one contact carried by one and two contacts carried by the side of each element the, case having all external electrical. connections at or near the end oppo site the vibrators.

ERNEST C. VVILCOX.

of the con- Witnesses:

CHAS. A. Pnnno, A. Morrow).

the electrical connections end 01. each element, 

